On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free. Dan Lipinski

What does Veterans Day mean to You? What Motivates some to give their lives in service to their country? On November 11, we will stand up to honor and salute all of our brave armed forces; about 22 million male and female Veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Even though I’ve shared the genesis of this important tradition elsewhere, it is imperative that we learn about it, teach our children about it and honor all who gave selflessly and fearlessly in honor of this country. On November 11, 1947, Raymond Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama, organized the first Veterans Day parade to honor our service men and women for their efforts. At that time, it was called Armistice Day. Later on, U.S. Representative Edward H. Rees of Kansas proposed legislation for a name change from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill in 1954 proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day, and everyone honored that date until another change occurred fourteen years later.

In 1968, the date was moved to the fourth Monday in October. Congress soon recognized the historical importance of November 11th and changed it back in 1978. While we are all motivated to act each day to uplift ourselves and others, it takes a unique spirit of sacrifice and service to rise above all our petty wants and needs and serve our country. Every time a serviceman/woman leaves, they take the hearts and love of their family and community with them. Our role is to stay connected with them and ensure that, on their return, their reintegration into society is seamless. WE are the beneficiaries of their effort and we must remember to honor them. I’ve shared some poetry, below, that elucidate the challenges and hearts of those who served. Please read and contemplate them. Thank you!

While only one day of the year is dedicated solely to honoring our veterans, Americans must never forget the sacrifices that many of our fellow countrymen have made to defend our country and protect our freedoms. Randy Neugebauer

Do You Plan to participate with your community this year? Are you familiar with some of the traditions? Every year, a special traditional ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery. On the morning of the 11th, at 11AM, a group of guards from each of the military services, pay their respects to those who died at war in a powerful ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. A key part of this tradition is when the sitting President/designated representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds “Taps” which is very moving. The ceremony moves to the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb, where more acts of respect are performed; a “Parade of Flags” by Veterans service organizations is also part of the second half of the ceremonies performed on that day.

The Veterans Day National Committee which organizes the ceremonies, also supports a number of Veterans Day Regional Sites: There are 67 sites in 39 states and the sites hold a variety of community celebrations, on Veterans Day, to honor the living and to keep the memories of loved ones lost alive. What saddens me is that even though we honor our Veterans with such great ceremonies, there are some who remain un-cared for in our society. Our collective contributions are critical to helping all our Veterans cope especially those who came home with PTSDs. The moving poem below is a reminder that not all our Vets have fared well. They need our support! If you are motivated to do good this Holiday season, remember to support your local Veterans.

bitter winter winds blow across Broadway
he is invisible to affluent theatre-goers wearing warm winter coats
he is a man who watches them scurry past the cardboard box that is his bed
like a rain-dog, huddling in the shadows of alleys and doorways

he hears deafening explosions of New Year fireworks
he is invisible to the revellers
he is a man who cowers, recalling gunfire of a war he fought
echoing through his mind in restless nights
the incessant thumping of traumatic stress

he is invisible…a victim of post-Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq
who once bore a uniform and served his country with pride
he is invisible suffering alone, paying the price
through severe disabilities and permanent scars

with sadness, he watches voters going to the polls
he is invisible, a veteran with no voice in elections
he is a man who cannot vote without an “address”
a placard on a pavement might catch the eye

The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment. Judd Gregg

How do we honor those who served courageously? I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, one thing that stands out for me on Veterans Day is the spirit of gratitude that many express towards our servicemen and women. Our gratitude must be followed with concrete action to help those in need. Find out through your local channels if a Veteran in your community is in need of help, then do something to make a difference. Be motivated to help when/where needed this season. My prayer is that all of us will remember to give thanks for the blessings of freedom and peace we enjoy. Let us add Peace & Service to the top of our special list of gifts we plan to share with family, friends and ultimately, with the world throughout this holiday season. May peace prevail in our hearts. What does this day mean to you? How do you honor Veterans Day? Thank you!

Eyes of Blue by Arlene Smith
A people persecuted beyond imagination;
To help them he felt, was his obligation.
He joined the army in World War II;
Not knowing his hell would be Eyes of Blue.

When he reached Normandy, the beaches were red.
Crawling over his brothers who lay already dead.
To give this tyrant, this devil his due;
Not knowing his own demons, would be Eyes of Blue.

He rounded a building securing a town;
A young German soldier was just coming round.
He plunged his bayonet, the quicker of the two;
Killing the young soldier, with Eyes of Blue.

He knelt down beside him with tears in his eyes;
How long this moment would last, he did not realize.
He closed the eyes as he thought he should do;
Thinking never again to see those Eyes of Blue.

The victor over many in Germany and Japan;
It was always difficult taking life from a man.
None would haunt him, this he now knew;
As long as the soldier, with Eyes of Blue.

Positive Motivation Tip: On Veterans Day, spend some time reflecting on how you can make a difference in the life of a Veteran in your home, community, country and globally. Each of us has the responsibility to act.

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)comCategory tag: – Share your post using Motivation MondaysTwitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnMDedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-upFacebook Page:MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)Tag: – Motivation MondaysHashtag: – #MotvnM